Tips to help patients manage type 1 diabetes when they're sick

Key messages for patients about sick days include the following recommendations:

1. 1. Never omit diabetes medication.
2. 2. Self-monitor blood glucose every 3 to 4 hours and perform ketone testing when two blood glucose readings are greater than 250 mg/dL.
3. 3. If blood glucose readings are greater than 250 mg/dL, supplemental corrective short-acting insulin is recommended.
4. 4. Drink 6 to 8 ounces of fluids each hour while awake.
5. 5. Call a clinician if vomiting or diarrhea persists more than 8 hours, the ketone value is moderate to large, blood glucose values greater than 250 mg/dL do not decrease with extra insulin, blood glucose values are low, or the appropriate action is unknown.